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First Edition Cycling News for February 26, 2004

Edited by John Stevenson

Pantani apartment searched again

Forensic officers from Italian police yesterday performed another search of the Rimini apartment where 1998 Tour de France winner Marco Pantani was found dead on February 14.

From around 18:00, police spent about an hour in room 5D of the Residence Le Rose hotel, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and radsport-news.com, but made no statement about the purpose of the search.

Teams for 39th Tirreno - Adriatico

2003 winner Filippo Pozzato
Photo: © Sirotti

Organiser RCS Sport has announced the twenty teams that will start next month's Tirreno - Adriatico (March 10 to 16), the first major Italian stage race of the season.

The eight-rider teams are selected from UCI Division I and Division II and as always there's a strong contingent from the host nation, with eight Italian teams. Last year's race came down to a final-day cliff-hanger with Filippo Pozzato (Fassa Bortolo) beating Danilo Di Luca by just four seconds.

2004 Tirreno - Adriatico teams

Alessio - Bianchi (Ita)
Brioches La Boulangere (Fra)
Ceramiche Panaria - Margres (Ita)
Chocolade Jacques Wincor - Nixdorf (Bel)
Cofidis (Fra)
Credit Agricole (Fra)
De Nardi (Ita)
Domina Vacanze (Ita)
Fassa Bortolo (Ita)
Gerolsteiner (Ger)
Lampre (Ita)
Landbouwkrediet - Colnago (Bel)
Lotto - Domo (Bel)
Phonak Hearing Systems (Swi)
Quick Step - Davitamon (Bel)
Rabobank (Ned)
Saeco (Ita)
Saunier Duval - Prodir (Spa)
T-Mobile Team (Ger)
Vini Caldirola - Nobili (Ita)

Millar gets behind push for Scottish cycling

World time trial champion David Millar has given his support a new organisation that aims to get more of his countrymen out on their bikes. In a statement read at the launch of Cycling Scotland, a new body set up to promote bike use, Millar said, "In the course of my work, I constantly see environments where cycling is accepted, without issue, as a normal part of life for millions, and how the health benefits and more pleasant environment can be enjoyed by all of society. Seeing healthy children cycling to school, and commuters who know when it makes more sense to leave their cars in the driveway, is a scenario that it is hard to object to."

Cycling Scotland aims to present cycling as a practical, attractive and accessible lifestyle option, with particular emphasis on getting more kids on bikes to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity that is currently plaguing Scotland and the rest of the UK. Millar's fellow Scot, former world pursuit champion and Hour Record holder Graeme Obree also supported the new organisation, saying, "The promotion of cycling is a good cause for the whole of society." He went on to identify reduced strain on health providers, improved road conditions for everyone and benefits to communities through cycling's impact on social inclusion.

Even motoring organisation the AA supports the idea of more bikes on the roads. Neil Greig of the AA Motoring Trust also welcomed the new body. "The AA Trust welcomes the formation of Cycling Scotland and we look forward to working together to promote the safe, shared use of our roads. AA Trust surveys show that one third of drivers own a bike and we encourage them to use it where appropriate."

Newton to miss 2004 FBD Milk Ras...

By Shane Stokes, irishcycling.com

With the British track squad building up for what they hope will be a successful Olympic Games later in the year, it has been confirmed that an under 23 squad will represent Great briatain at the FBD Milk Rás in May, rather than the usual riders.

Both the 2003 winner Chris Newton and 2001 champion Paul Manning are expected to be part of the squad taking part in the World Track Championships in Melbourne at the end of May, ruling them out of the Irish tour. FBD Milk Rás race director Dermot Dignam has discussed the situation with the GB team manager John Herety and they have agreed that an Espoir team will take part in their absence.

The remainder of the international line-up will be announced in the next few weeks. A strong turnout of professional, national and regional teams is expected for the 2.5-ranked event, which will feature stage finishes in Trim, Oranmore, Charleville, Cahirciveen, Millstreet, Seskin Hill, Tullow and Dublin's Phoenix Park.

... but aims for repeat Soens victory with new team

Although he'll miss the Milk Ras, Newton is aiming to defend his title at the 43rd running of the Eddie Soens Memorial Cycle Race on March 6, and he'll be supported by a new team sponsored by a leading consumer brand, according to Soens race organiser Carl Lawrenson.

The new team, which includes Bryan Steel, Paul Manning and former Cofidis rider Rob Hayles, will be launched at this weekend's Revolution 3 track meeting in Manchester.

Newton and his new team-mates will face stiff opposition at the Soens Memorial with three previous winners of the traditional Merseyside season-opener already entered: Tony Gibb (20001 & 2002), Julian Ramsbottom (2000) and Steve Cummings (1999).

Ocean State Velo 2004

Ocean State Velo Club (OSVC) has announced its roster for the 2004 season. The Rhode Island based team has established itself as a force in the New England racing scene with several victories and numerous podium finishes in 2003.

Full roster

Terry Precision 2004

Terry Precision Bicycles for Women, Inc. and Bikeworld.com have announced their continued sponsorship of the Terry Precision Women's Pro Cycling Team in 2004.